Are Clarry and Hunter at the races?

Sparrow impressive in one of the handball / kick forward groups

Hibberd contesting well, Brayshaw so laconic… lacking precision, no one is worried!

Full ground sim now. JVR reads ball better and snaps a goal v May & Lever

Schache marks in front of Lever. McDonald has been very good in everything this morning. Big Max brings Kossie to ground with a strong tackle. Jefferson’s pass to Seston off!

Viney scooped up a ground ball, broke out of a tackle and ran into space before beautiful kick forward

Haven’t seen Petty for quite a while! Ed doing what Ed does! Beautiful pass by Viney to Schache, who is prominent close to goal

Hopefully Clarry has no complications with that finger. The fact that he isn't even there running laps is a worry.

I suppose he could just be home with Covid. 

Match sim was so exciting to watch… speed ball taken to the next level! Boys back in small group skill activities, which are a bit boring by comparison (but essential of course!) It’s 11:10 and I’m about to check out…

Some final observations of the match sim (unfortunately I had to leave):

Harmes weaving before kicking a low goal. 

Spargo fairly active and involved.  Lingers did a short chip to Spargs who moved into the space.  Ed later positioned himself down the line nicely as usual

Tomlinson fumbled and course corrected with kick to Chandler.  Chandler dropped but had a good second effort back.  However reds put the pressure on and Kossie in particular was strong with tackle and attempted smother

Jed and Verrell running laps, Burgoyne and someone else doing short runs on the other side.

2 minutes ago, waynewussell said:

Match sim was so exciting to watch… speed ball taken to the next level! Boys back in small group skill activities, which are a bit boring by comparison (but essential of course!) It’s 11:10 and I’m about to check out…

 

Just now, DeelightfulPlay said:

Some final observations of the match sim (unfortunately I had to leave):

Harmes weaving before kicking a low goal. 

Spargo fairly active and involved.  Lingers did a short chip to Spargs who moved into the space.  Ed later positioned himself down the line nicely as usual

Tomlinson fumbled and course corrected with kick to Chandler.  Chandler dropped but had a good second effort back.  However reds put the pressure on and Kossie in particular was strong with tackle and attempted smother

Jed and Verrell running laps, Burgoyne and someone else doing short runs on the other side.

Thanks gentlemen, you guys are legends.

1 hour ago, DeelightfulPlay said:

Had a few drill stations going when I arrived late.  

Good to see some of the seniors, like Melky, providing guidance to the new boys like Kyah.

Burgoyne has joined in some of the drills and might be off rehab.

For some time Melksham has looked to me like a coach-in-waiting.  

3 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

For some time Melksham has looked to me like a coach-in-waiting.  

The Corowa Rutherglen Football Club senior coaching role was his foer the taking this year had he not been offered another contract.

If I was picking 23 on today’s training…

Max, Petracca, Viney, Langdon, Kossie, McDonald, Fritsch, JVR, Rivers, May, Harmes, ANB, Schache, Howes, Sparrow,  Lever, Brayshaw, Hibberd, Melksham, Jordan, Dunstan, Spargo, Grundy

4 minutes ago, waynewussell said:

If I was picking 23 on today’s training…

Max, Petracca, Viney, Langdon, Kossie, McDonald, Fritsch, JVR, Rivers, May, Harmes, ANB, Schache, Howes, Sparrow,  Lever, Brayshaw, Hibberd, Melksham, Jordan, Dunstan, Spargo, Grundy

Take 2 out for Clarry and Lachie. !!! Bowey??  Did u forget or was he not up to it today? 

58 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

That last set really belonged to Blake Howes. Probably had 8 touches in 5 minutes. Spoiling/out marking talls, lacing kicks, linking up. 

Good to hear! Sounds like he's in full swing this pre-season. Any other trackwatchers like what they saw of him? Just trying to get a gauge of his skills.

12 minutes ago, 58er said:

Take 2 out for Clarry and Lachie. !!! Bowey??  Did u forget or was he not up to it today? 

Might be just me, but at this stage I don't think Hunter is a lock by any stretch.

The match sim with even numbers started really ugly, it was pretty much a lowlight reel of last years end of season.

Couple of Woey turnovers off half back. JJ stagnating with the ball. Melksham getting run down. ANB getting it at half forward then getting run down by Melksham!

Fritsch was the meat in a Sparrow and one other big collision. He had to go off but came back on. Tracc was tended to at the next break. Then Tommy Mc (who was racking up touches) was having his knee assessed.

Gawn reads the ball in the air so much better than Grundy. But Grundy did get on the lead once or twice.

Once fatigue opened it up a little the ball started to move end to end with some nice passages of play. 
 

Personally id like to have seen the coaches pause it at the start and redirect the focus on how to play uptempo against elite pressure. Ie. More switching, more movement, more handball link ups (all the small drills they’ve been training before the match sim)

Pickett was busy through the midfield. Viney seemed to be playing more on a flank.

Sestan had a few kicks pushing toward the wing/half back from a half forward start. He laced perfectly weighted kicks to T Mc and Grundy and a lovely inside ball to Petracca that set up a scoring opportunity. 

He looked completely spent after every repeat effort. I wonder if a haircut and training in a white hat rather than a dark hat would help a little! But if he can develop as an athlete the skills are there.

Is Salem still on the list?

2 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Reminds me so much of Jacks Watts with that action. 

He had a very fluent and simple action. Kicked some real clutch goals over his career. 

Reminds me of Jack full stop.

Better environment, better coaches & hopefully a better ending.

A lot has already been covered so I'll add a few observations.

The match sims were at full pace with respectful tackling but there was no lack of effort and intensity.  At stages Tmac, Trac, Fritta and Kyah all came off for attention but all returned other than Kyah who may have got a head knock.  He took a terrific contested mark but was wacked in the process and Gus escorted him off the ground and he didn't return.  It's very early days but I like what I see from him.  He gets involved and competes and when he gets a chance he usually does something.  He's very long term but there seem to be some fundamental there.

Kossie played back in the match sims and it was most likely a midfield role.  He really is so special and looks set for a fantastic year.  His bump on Viney and subsequent gather was really eye catching.

I agree that Blake Howes had a purple patch.  His hands are really good and his uses it well but towards the end there were a few clangers he'd rather forget.

Kade Chandler is really for AFL footy.  He's got great intensity, keeps his feet and uses it really well.

Buy shares in JVR if you haven't already.  He was terrific today and he's not a mark or forget player.  He really hunts the ball on the ground and backs himself in traffic to do something useful with the ball.  I've been really impressed with him the last couple of training sessions.

You'd also want a speculative bet on Oli Sestan.  His kicking is outstanding for both length and accuracy but what impressed me is he found the ball well for a rookie in the full match sims.  I'm backing JT to have found something special here but beware, I've been wrong lots of times.

Tmac seems to have his hands back.  He usually takes time to get up to pace and take one grabbers but the last two sessions he's clunked them first time every time.  He's not giving his spot up without a fight.  Interestingly he played back a bit so I'd imagine he's the swingman.

Jake Lever seems to be moving very well, much better than last year.  A return to his AA form would be a huge bonus.

Jack Viney was in everything and has done all of the sessions I've seen.  Good news, a full PS is a good omen for Jack.

Gus did the whole session but looked a touch off the pace.  Found lots of it but got caught a couple of times.

Adams and Verrell did a lot of running.  Interesting times.  I haven't seen them touch a footy at any training session and they look miles off the level of fitness required.  

Joel Smith and AMW did running and strength drills and I'd guess they have groin issues.  DSmith did a bit of ball work but not a lot so he's progressing slowly.

BBB on light duties today, hope it's just management as he's look really good so far this PS.

DEMONWHEELS' TRAINING REPORT

KEV MARTIN'S TRAINING REPORT

GEORGE ON THE OUTER'S TRAINING REPORT

DEESPICABLE'S TRAINING REPORT

OLD DEE'S TRAINING REPORT

this footage doesn’t do justice to how powerful that don’t argue was. Poor Bill Laurie was thrust in to next week 

1 hour ago, Lord Nev said:

Might be just me, but at this stage I don't think Hunter is a lock by any stretch.

Totally disagree. He can kick a football and hit a target. 80% of our team can’t. 

41 minutes ago, Slartibartfast said:

A lot has already been covered so I'll add a few observations.

The match sims were at full pace with respectful tackling but there was no lack of effort and intensity.  At stages Tmac, Trac, Fritta and Kyah all came off for attention but all returned other than Kyah who may have got a head knock.  He took a terrific contested mark but was wacked in the process and Gus escorted him off the ground and he didn't return.  It's very early days but I like what I see from him.  He gets involved and competes and when he gets a chance he usually does something.  He's very long term but there seem to be some fundamental there.

Kossie played back in the match sims and it was most likely a midfield role.  He really is so special and looks set for a fantastic year.  His bump on Viney and subsequent gather was really eye catching.

I agree that Blake Howes had a purple patch.  His hands are really good and his uses it well but towards the end there were a few clangers he'd rather forget.

Kade Chandler is really for AFL footy.  He's got great intensity, keeps his feet and uses it really well.

Buy shares in JVR if you haven't already.  He was terrific today and he's not a mark or forget player.  He really hunts the ball on the ground and backs himself in traffic to do something useful with the ball.  I've been really impressed with him the last couple of training sessions.

You'd also want a speculative bet on Oli Sestan.  His kicking is outstanding for both length and accuracy but what impressed me is he found the ball well for a rookie in the full match sims.  I'm backing JT to have found something special here but beware, I've been wrong lots of times.

Tmac seems to have his hands back.  He usually takes time to get up to pace and take one grabbers but the last two sessions he's clunked them first time every time.  He's not giving his spot up without a fight.  Interestingly he played back a bit so I'd imagine he's the swingman.

Jake Lever seems to be moving very well, much better than last year.  A return to his AA form would be a huge bonus.

Jack Viney was in everything and has done all of the sessions I've seen.  Good news, a full PS is a good omen for Jack.

Gus did the whole session but looked a touch off the pace.  Found lots of it but got caught a couple of times.

Adams and Verrell did a lot of running.  Interesting times.  I haven't seen them touch a footy at any training session and they look miles off the level of fitness required.  

Joel Smith and AMW did running and strength drills and I'd guess they have groin issues.  DSmith did a bit of ball work but not a lot so he's progressing slowly.

BBB on light duties today, hope it's just management as he's look really good so far this PS.

Adams and Verrall are both coming back from long term injuries. Won’t be involved until late Jan/early feb. 

4 minutes ago, 12345_54321 said:

Totally disagree. He can kick a football and hit a target. 80% of our team can’t. 

For sure, neat kick; which will be very handy for us, I just don't think he's an automatic selection at this stage. I think he'll absolutely have to earn his shot at the 'other' wing, we do have options there.